MARKET INCENTIVES IN THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS

Abstract

Today, Ukraine not only fully provides its population with agricultural products but is also among the top 10 world exporters of agricultural products. At the same time, domestic agrarian producers encounter numerous obstacles on the international market, which require them not only to ensure sufficient production volumes but also to introduce an effective quality management system based on international standards and to consider the trends of globalization and integration into the European market. The article examines market incentives in the quality management system for agricultural products and identifies its features. The author expands the interpretation of the concept of quality management of agricultural products, identifies the main components of such a process (standardization, quality control, safety assurance, a control system for all stages from the field/farm to the consumer, and continuous improvement). It is confirmed that this process is aimed not only at controlling finished products but also at mitigating risks and increasing the enterprise's competitiveness. The principles of quality management in agricultural production are considered, which managers can use to improve agribusiness performance. It has been proven that these principles are implemented through a comprehensive, systematic approach to organizing production processes. It is substantiated that the quality management system for agri-food products is based not only on regulatory and institutional requirements, but also on market incentives that directly affect the behavior of producers and consumers, and due to which conditions are created for business interest in improving product quality, and demand for safer and more competitive products is ensured. The conducted research provides grounds for asserting that, to guarantee the production of high-quality products, a quality management system for agri-food products is critically important for modern agri-industrial enterprises. Bringing Ukrainian quality standards into line with European requirements will enable Ukrainian manufacturers' products to become competitive on the world market.